Romsey Hockey Club

Fareham 2s (2) vs Romsey Ladies 3s (0)

Scorers: n/a

Match report to follow.

Gosport (2) vs Romsey Ladies 1s (0)

Scorers: n/a

With pitches frozen in many areas, Romsey Ladies 1s travelled to Gosport braving sub-zero temperatures.

After a recent series of lackluster performances, Romsey produced some slick passing and looked an improved side in the early stages of the game. Good attacking play resulting in several goalmouth scrambles, dealt with by skillful goalkeeping from Gosport to prevent the visitors from taking the lead.

Goaless at half time, Romsey continued to fight well, but it was Gosport who took the lead with a well worked attack down the center.

Throwing themselves forward to find the equaliser, Romsey left themselves open to breaks and Gosport sealed victory despite an improved performance from the visitors.

Winchester 2s (2) vs Romsey 2s (2)

Scorers: Palframan, Charlton

Mid-table Romsey Ladies 2nd XI were braced for a tough match when they met league leaders Winchester at the weekend.

Against the odds Romsey took immediate control of the game with midfielders, Karen Robinson, Tracy Nicoll, Rosie Bishop & Jane Wheeler playing some great possession hockey and threading through a string of perfectly weighted passes.

Despite the absence of their two most experienced strikers, Romsey launched several piercing attacks which saw some outstanding play by Verity Charlton and Emma Palframan winning some early short corners. Their constant pressure and determination eventually forced defensive mistakes from Winchester, with Palframan first to capitalise for Romsey making a great run and unleashing a great shot on goal which, despite a Winchester deflection, still found the back of the net.


With growing confidence Romsey played some of their best hockey of the season, seemingly unable to put a foot wrong. Winchester made several substitutes in a bid to redress the balance and were eventually rewarded with an equaliser when a quick break left Romsey sweeper Penne Edwards and GK Zoe Rogers considerably outnumbered in the D.


Against the run of play and just minutes into the second half Winchester went ahead after a short corner routine caught a lucky deflection.

With a loud and enthusiastic home crowd cheering on Winchester the game turned more physical with several tussles. But Romsey retained their composure, swiftly switching play and confidently feeding the ball round the back via captain Maree Welsh, Sally Shrubb, Edwards and Bethan Knights.

It was play from the back which again released Charlton down the left for a shot on goal from a tight angle which snuck past the GK. With Winchester becoming more frustrated a high ball was smashed into Romsey’s D connecting with one of Winchester’s own players, resulting in their player retiring early with an injury.

Despite last ditch attacks from Charlotte Jewson and Caitlin Hogan-Lloyd the score remained drawn at two all – a fair result from a very hard fought game.

Romsey 1s (0) vs Eastleigh (3)

Scorers: n/a

Romsey ladies 1s were looking for a better start at home to Eastleigh, after their previous weeks encounter that only acrewed a single point. Romsey came out fighting, applying pressure from the off, but it was Eastleigh who seized the momentum, taking the lead early on from a short corner.

Romsey worked hard and were awarded a short corner after some lovely play from Kate Moss in the middle. Eastleigh held firm and threw everything they had at the Romsey defence. Romsey’s back line held strong for a while, but eventually surcommed to the pressure with Eastliegh flicking the ball into the goal.

From the start of the second half Romsey dominated possession with Player of the Match, Kate Olingschleager and Emily Slade linking the ball well on the left hand side. Becky Hutchins provided support from the middle, distributing out wide to Amy Welch whose excellent runs dominated the right side of the pitch.

Despite the pressure Romsey put on Easleighs back line, spear headed by Amy Edwards, Romsey could not break through. Eventually, Eastleigh made a break leading to their third goal.

Despite the score, Romsey never gave up with excellent coaching from captain Liz Forbes at the back and Sally Shrubb gave 100% at the back passing it nicely to Sophie Riley who played brilliantly.

Romsey must look to improve if they wish to reclaim 2nd spot in the league.

Romsey 2s (5) vs Trojans 3s (0)

Scorers: Edwards, Ford (2), Wyant, Charlton

Romsey 2 XI gained their first 3 points of 2012 with a fine win against Trojans 3s.

Romsey started the game sprightly and created some great goal scoring opportunities, but credit to Trojans who worked tirelessly to keep the ball out of the net. Cracking shots were whistling past the goalposts, off the goalkeeper and away much to Romsey’s frustration.

Five minutes into the 2nd half Penne Edwards steadied the nerves with a fiercesome strike at a Penalty Corner which hit the backboard to start the goal frenzy.

Helen Ford then got her aim and concentration set to score two intelligent goals before leaving the fray.

Romsey were dominant by this stage and further goals followed from Steph Wyant and Verity Charlton.

Havent 3s (1) vs Romsey 1s (1)

Scorers: Riley

Match report to follow.

Romsey Ladies 3s (0) vs Eastleigh 2s (7)

Scorers: n/a

Match report to follow

Alton (1) vs Romsey Ladies 2s (0)

Scorers: n/a

Romsey ladies 2s lost 1-0 in a close fought encounter with high flying Alton on Saturday.

Romsey started brightly and made a number of foraging runs into their opponents circle forcing the Alton Goalkeeper to be alert in keeping out shots from Rosie Bishop, Caitlin Hogan-Lloyd, and Ella Palmer.

When Alton broke the defence worked tirelessly to close down and tackle fiercely, with midfield players Tracy Nicoll and Karen Robinson opening up attacks.

Player of the Match, Jane Wheeler, worked tirelessly along the right flank creating further chances for Romsey.

With 1 minute to halftime, a defensive lapse saw Alton take the lead against the run of play.

The 2nd half saw Alton pressurise the defence but Penne Edwards swept up along the back line to frustrate the Alton forwards.

Romsey continued to work hard and made the Alton keeper keep warm! but her kickouts could not be converted despite Romsey’s best efforts. Romsey kept going to the end, but could not quite find the touch needed to equalise.

Young players Caitlin Hogan-Lloyd and Rosie Bishop had outstanding games for the 2nd team.

Captain Maree Welch was delighted with the overall start to the season , believing her team can only get better!

Romsey Ladies 1s (2) vs City of Portsmouth (1)

Scorers: Riley, Bradshaw

Romsey Ladies 1s returned from the Christmas break in fine form, grabbing 3 points in a tough opening fixture of 2012 against City of Portsmouth. Cold and frosty conditions lead to a short delay whilst the teams inspected the pitch, but the delay only went to enhance the ensueing battle.

Both teams shrugged off the frost and came out hard. Romsey had the upper hand in the opening 10mins as they piled pressure on the visitors defence, leaving City of Portsmouth with only glimpses of the Romsey D.

Romsey put together some excellent passages of play where the attack was built up out of accurate passing and fluid movement amongst the forwards. Kate Olingschlaeger’s swift runs up the left wing caused havoc in the Portsmouth defence, along with Emily Bradshaw’s forays into the D. The Portsmouth keeper made a several saves to keep Romsey from taking the opening they deserved.

A defensive error from the home side saw City of Portsmouth take the lead against the run of play. Romsey were quick to react, and equalised after further pressure in the Portsmouth defence lead to the award of a short corner. Sophie Riley stepped up and hit a straight strike which blasted through the keepers pads and into the goal.

Half time, the game was in the balance, as the pitch was warming up, so was the intensity.

Portsmouth started the second half with a higher line, pressing the Romsey defence. Romsey’s defence worked hard, with Riley and player of the match Sally Shrubb, soaking up the Portsmouth pressure in the middle, with confident, controlled play from Emily Slade and Liz Forbes on the wings to turn defence into attack.

Romsey continued to pass the ball around the back, utilising the speed of Amy Welch up the right wing who’s pace got her past the defence to slip the ball into the D. The rebound dropped kindly to Amy Edwards who’s shot went over the logged keeper, but agonisingly wide of the post. Not to be disheartned Romsey continued to turn defence into attack with support from midfielders Becky Hutchins and Erica Jenner.

Romsey took the lead with ten minutes to go following a quick turn around from the midfield to release forward Amy Edwards. Edwards received the ball at pace and beat her defender only to be tripped 25-yards from goal. The resulting free hit was taken by Riley, who’s quick dribbling found a route into the D. Riley sent a pinpoint accurate pass to the back post where Bradshaw was arriving to put Romsey into a well deserved lead.

Romsey went close to making it three as forward Verity Charlton was cruelly denied as her shot curled into the post and cleared to safety by the Portsmouth defence.

Captain Liz Forbes was delighted at the work rate and belief that her team showed. It was an excellent start to 2012, and ensures Romsey 1s take 2nd place in Hampshire Div 2.

RHC Christmas Game 2011

Snowmen 4 vs Reindeers 2

Christmas cheer was in the air on Saturday, as the men and women of Romsey Hockey Club got into the Christmas spirit with their annual fancy dress intra-club hockey match. This year saw the Snowmen take on the Reindeers.

Both teams took a while to get going. The Snowmen, whilst enjoying the frosty morning, struggled to play under the bulk of hats, scarf’s and carrot noses while the Reindeer’s were hampered with a variety of fur and antler problems in the windy conditions!

Eventually the deadlock was broken by the Reindeers, who were quick to break in numbers and infiltrate the Snowmen’s melting defenc before The Snowmen grabbed an equaliser just before half time.

The second half got under-way with the Snowmen attempting to confuse the Reindeers, with Snowman midfield duo Will Archibald and Joe Welch, launching several aerial balls deep into the Reindeer’s back line. One such ball provided Guy Taylor a tidy route to goal.

The Reindeer retaliated with some piercing attacks instigated and finished by James-One-Antler-Boggis while Amy Welch and Monty Roberts caused yet more havock at the back for the Snowmen, allowing the Reindeer’s to prance their way into the lead.

Further Snowmen goals came from Matt Clark, and Ella Palmer who both finished with finesse that was only bettered by their cartwheeling goal celebrations!

Penne Edwards, despite starting the day as the Snowman with the longest carrot nose, put aside her Frosty the Snowman hat, and umpired the game magnificently,

Costumes of the match go to Jane Wheeler, for her fabulous Reindeer costume, fluffy belly and shiny red nose. And on the Snowmans’s team, Ella Palmer lead the way with her snowman costume, delicately finished off by her button nose!

Christmas Game 2011

Yateley 2s (0) vs Ladies 1s (2)

Scorers: Bradshaw, Riley

Two consecutive losses made this a must win match for Romsey 1sts.

Romsey’s initial hurdle to overcome was an unusually bouncy waterbased pitch; less of a challenge for the older members of the team who could remember the pleasures of playing on grass, but it didn’t come as naturally to the younger members.

Romsey quickly adapted to the unusual pitch and dominated the first half. Good interlinking play between the mids and attack led to a number of scoring opportunities for Romsey, with both Kate Olingschleager and Emily Bradshaw having a number of close shots on goal.

A solid Romsey defence halted any break by Yateley, with notable tackles put in by Sophie Riley at defending centre mid. The defending line up of Tracy Nicoll, Sally Shrubb and player of the match Liz Forbes where not only successful at eliminating any attacks, but also facilitated a number of key switches of the ball from one side to the other.

Lou Viney at sweeper could be relied upon to use her incredible strength at hit outs to hit the ball through the tight net of Yateley players, straight onto the runs from Amy Edwards at centre forward.

It was from one such hit, that Romsey were able to finally get a score on the board. Viney’s pass was blasted accurately into the path of Bradshaw, who took the opportunity to drive into the D. Bradshaw made light work of the Yateley defenders who attempted to impede her path, and was rewarded when her shot on goal skimmed past the goalie and into the back of the net.

A lead of 1 – 0 wasn’t enough for Romsey, who quickly added another goal to the board.

It was Riley who was this time able to capitalise on the speed and accuracy of the Viney hit out. Leaving a number of Yateley players in her wake, Riley adeptly dribbled up the pitch before skilfully flicking the ball past the keeper and into the back of the net.

Romsey were in a good position to further increase the lead after half time, however Yateley came back strongly and it took a solid defence to quash the home teams forays into the Romsey D.

A number of short corners were deftly defended by Romsey, with notable performance by Riley and Forbes who were able to block the hits at the top of the D. Zoe Rogers was strong in goal, with a particularly good diving save at the left post.

There were a number of chances in the D for the attacking pair of Edwards and Kate Moss, ably supported by the wide mids of Slade and Eric Jenner. Jenner caused havoc, showing her strong skills by frequently dribbling nimbly around players before playing others in.

Bradshaw and Olingschlaeger had a number of two touch runs which were only stopped at the last minute by a strong Yateley defence.

Next week sees Romsey travel across the Solent to the IOW for the last match before Christmas.

Ladies 3s (0) vs Southampton 5s (1)

Scorers: n/a

Romsey 3rds, on a sunny Saturday afternoon, fought a hard battle against a strong Southampton fives.

In the first half Romsey were defensive, holding off chances from Southampton. With it being 0-0 at half time, Romsey had more attcking chances in the 2nd half.

Unfortunately, after a short corner, Southampton scored. Romsey continued to have more opportunities but just couldn’t find the net! Final score 1-0 to Southampton. We enjoyed the Brussels and garlic pate afterwards though!!

Ladies 2s (2) vs Aldershot & Farnham (0)

Scorers: Ford (2)

Romsey played out of their skins on Saturday to earn a 2-0 victory against Aldershot and Farnham after a worrying slump in form.

Romsey got off brightly and several slick passing moves saw them create a number of close chances with Becky Hutchins and Steph Wyant combining well on the left flank.

Aldershot then pressed back and put the Romsey defence on the backfoot, but saw Fran Savage in outstanding form at Centre Back making crucial interceptions and tackles to break up the oppositions attacks with Penne Edwards moppng any loose balls as sweeper.

Romseys next attack saw a short corner quickly taken by Rosie Bishop, with Karen Robinson’s reverse pass picking out the run of Helen Ford who cooly slotted it past the goalkeeper with a reverse stick shot.

A goal up Romsey were in no mood to concede and defended in numbers.

The 2nd half saw the visitors press on in search of an equaliser but Romsey frustrated Aldershot getting to the 50/50 ball first and opening up counterattacks with quick passes. Jane Wheeler’s mazy run through the middle with an inch perfect pass to Ford saw her grab her second goal, crashing the ball into the backboard to seal the victory.

Maree Welch and Bethan Knights worked tirelessly tackling and changing defence into attack.

Overall Captain Maree Welch said she was delighted with the great team response and determination to win the match. Training on Thursdays has certainly boosted the teams performance.

Ladies 1s (1) vs Fareham (3)

Scorer: Olingschlaeger

Romsey Ladies 1st XI suffered their second defeat of the season in a top of the league clash against Fareham – a punishing loss which saw them slip from second to fourth place.

Predictably both teams were geared up for a hard game and the first ten minutes saw several tustles, one leaving Romsey forward Amy Edwards needing stitches to a head wound.

Romsey regrouped but Fareham opened the scoring soon after when a break down the right wing, led to a stonking cross to the near post. Tight marking from Romsey failed to stop a neat deflection from a diving Fareham player.

A new Romsey formation ensured the team attacked as a unit and created some great opportunities but Romsey were largely unable to find that final touch and it remained 1-0 to the visitors at half time.


Fareham piled on the pressure in the 2nd half with close, accurate play which forced mistakes from Romsey. Player of the match, Zoe Rogers, made several key saves in the Romsey goal but wasn’t able to stop Fareham for goal number two. Romsey endured a number of short corners, holding firm by speedy closing down from Sophie Riley, and a quick reaction save on the line from Lou Viney.

Romsey pulled one back late in the game, thanks to a fast break down the right from Becky Hutchins and Kate Moss, who set up Kate Olingschlaeger in the D to finish decisively from short range.

Unfortunately Romsey could not find another and the game finished 3-1.

Romsey will welcome the return of captain Liz Forbes, and with her will aim to fight back to the top of the table, starting next week away against Yateley.

Portsmouth & Southsea (3) vs Romsey Ladies 2s (0)

Scorers: n/a

Romsey played a good match against Portsmouth & Southsea on Saturday dominating large parts of the game, yet lost 3-0!

Romsey opened brightly and showed some excellent passing moves resulting in several shots from Verity Charlton, Ella Palmer and Helen Ford being well saved by the Goalkeeper.

A quick break from Portsmouth saw them dispatch a good strike from a Penalty Corner to take the lead.

Romsey kept pressing but with several corners gained could not find the all important equaliser. Rosie Bishop was inspirational in midfield with her incisive passing working well with the pace of Caitlin Hogan-Lloyd, who was making her debut for the 2nd team.

The 2nd half saw further pressure and attacks from Romsey but a number of Penalty Corners saw the Goalkeeper making saves to keep Portsmouth’s lead intact.

With 5minutes remaining Romsey conceded 2 Penalty Corners which were buried by the Portsmouth forwards.

Captain Maree Welch complimented the team on their excellent efforts, but agreed that defensively and in attack on Penalty Corners, we need to do better!

Southampton Uni (4) – Romsey Ladies 1s (2)

Scorers – Viney, Moss

With a late afternoon push back, away from home, Romsey were caught off-guard with speedy play from the Uni team.

With fast zig-zag passing, into the D Romsey conceeded aie short corner. A well executed routine saw Romsey go down 1-0.

Romsey pulled back the equaliser with a short corner routine of their own. The strike from Lou Viney found its way into the goal. Not the most convincing strike, but they all count!

Romsey took confidence and started to pressurise the Uni, with Amy Welch working hard down the wing, passing to Emily Slade who attacked with venom, only to be denied by the keeper.

Another attack from Romsey saw the initial strike saved, but Kate Moss put Romsey in front by pouncing on the resulting confusion to slot the ball in past the keeper and defender on the line.

The Uni grabbed an equaliser just before half time.

The start of the second half saw both teams come out fighting. It was the Uni who took the win, grabbing 2 more goals during the second half. Romsey never stopped fighting and continued to work hard until the end, but to no avail.

Romsey take on league leaders Fareham next week, and will be looking to return to winning ways.

Ladies 3s (1) vs IBM Nomads (1)

Scorer: Cryne

On a bright autumn day Romsey 3rds took on an eager IBM Nomads team.

Yet again Romsey had numerous unsuccessful attempts to score on goal. Ange Cryne saved Romsey with a storming goal but Nomads took a quick one back, making it 1:1 at half time.

Romsey had the majority of possession at a few chances at the start of the second half but also had to defend solidly towards the end.

Final score 1:1.

Ladies 2s (3) vs Waterside (5)

Scorers: Charlton (2), Bishop

Romsey scored 3 goals but still ended up on the losing side on Saturday against Waterside Ladies!

Romsey started brightly and passed the ball around well in the opening 10 minutes creating several chances one of which was converted by Verity Charlton from close range.

Waterside then pressed hard and took a 2 goal advantage before Charlton again found the backboard following a delightful throughball from Jane Wheeler.

The 2nd half saw the Romsey defence under considerable pressure with Goalkeeper Zoe Rogers making a number of good saves before Romsey conceded 2 further goals. Romsey then pressed hard in search of an equaliser and peppered the visitors goal only to see the Goalkeeper in excellent form.

Waterside broke quickly to score a 5th and seal the victory, but Romsey showed great spirit to score again through Rosie Bishop with 2 minutes remaining.

Captain Maree Welch commented on the great sideline support for her team which helped to keep the team buoyant throughout the match.

Romsey Ladies 1s (6) vs Petersfield (0)

Scorers: Viney, Bradshaw (2), Olingschlaeger (2), Riley.

Romsey ladies kept up there winning streak with an emphatic victory over bottom of the table Petersfield.

The home team got out of the blocks fast, pressuring the Petersfield defence who gave away a penalty corner. Up stepped Lou Viney with a searing strike straight into the bottom corner. Romsey continued surging forward with wave after wave of attacks from all sides of the pitch.

ROmsey doubled their lead shorty after, with Amy Welch’s superbe run into the D, striking the ball across goal where Kate Olingschlaeger pounced to make sure the ball went in.

With a 2-0 lead, Romsey’s concentration lapsed a little, gifting Petersfield a one-on-one with the keeper Liz Murray. Murray, keen to keep a clean sheet, came out bravely to shut the angles down and made a fine save to deny the visitors.

Romsey woke themselves up and regained their attacking momentum. Tracy Nicoll and Emily Slade linking beautifully on the left, and switching the play over to Amy Edwards, who broke through the defence and sent a flicked shot towards the goal. Emily Bradshaw got to the front post first and quick reflexes deflected the ball into the goal from chest height.

Half time 3-0

Petersfield came out in the second half with the hopes to test the Romsey defence. However, the home side were up to the task and soon picked the ball up and began making attacks of their own. Goal number 4 came after Edwards made a 30yard run to keep the ball in on the back line, gained control and slipped it back to Olingschlaeger, who’d positioned herself perfectly on the P spot ready to sweep it in.

Romsey grabbed a 5th after player of the match, Riley drove towards the D, drawing the defenders in. A well timed square ball to the top of the D released Bradshaw to grab her second after beating the keeper. Bradshaw repaid the compliment for the final goal, slipping to Riley at top of the D, who swept low and hard for a decisive finish to a good victory.

Captain Liz Forbes was delighted at the result, and even happier that her team are creating chances from all over the pitch. Roll on next week!

Fleet & Ewshot 2s (2) vs Romsey Ladies 3s (2)

Scorers: Cryne (2)

Romsey ladies 3s worked hard to fight for advantage in an evenly contested match away to Fleet & Ewshot.

For the first ten minutes Romsey continued to attack the goal but with no success. The home team fought back with a hard-hitting short, which encouraged Romsey to counter attack.  After numerous attempts Ange Cryne scored a storming short corner to even the score.

Romsey then scored again off a short to be 2:1 up at half time. Another ferocious short during the second half evened the score and Romsey struggled to gain the lead again.

Well done to all players who all earnt a delicious sausage tea! Final score 2:2